Major Gift Committee Chair

Major Gifts Committee Captains

We are proud that Campaign Gustavus has raised $100 million in gifts and
commitments toward its $150 million goal. It is a significant achievement and sets
the bar for a higher level of giving to the College than ever before. We are
positioned to move to new levels of support and exceed our previous record of $104 million
contributed in our last campaign. It means a great deal to the two of us that we are celebrating
and experiencing this journey together. Our Sesquicentennial celebration gave all of us the
momentum to reach $100 million. We have $50 million to raise over the next three years, and
we know with your help we will exceed our goal.

The campaign remains on target regarding its goals. Half of the commitments have come
in the form of cash and half in gifts that will come to the College over time. About 60 percent
of the funds have been directed to current programming, while 40 percent has been allocated
to endowment. Overall, things are moving forward in a way that is very positive for the College.

However, it is important to note that this milestone is much more significant than just
achieving goals. It means that the College has acquired the resources to enhance and
implement new programs for students and faculty. Perhaps most meaningful to us is that an
anonymous donor has given $2 million to endow a technology fund for Beck Academic Hall,
ensuring that computers, instruments, and other equipment can be replaced and updated as
needed.

A couple of areas that are being significantly impacted because of commitments to
Campaign Gustavus include the Gustavus Alumni Mentoring program, which is now serving not
only students majoring in Economics and Management, but also those majoring in other
departments across the campus. The Mentoring Program connects students with accomplished
alumni through the Center for Servant Leadership. The members of the Gustavus Friends of
Music have successfully raised $25,000 to start a permanently endowed fund to support
ensemble touring for Gustavus musicians.

We would also be remiss if we did not mention the success of the Gustavus Annual Fund
this past year in raising over $4.5 million. All too often we forget about the importance of
giving to the Annual Fund, which sustains all aspects of the College’s operations, including
campus maintenance, student programs, financial aid, salaries, and more. It may not be
glamorous, but the Gustavus Annual Fund deserves support from all alumni and friends every
year.

Too often we focus on reaching a milestone and then quickly move on to the next goal.
Instead, we hope you will take a moment to pause and reflect on our accomplishments. Your
gifts—from $50 to $5 million—are effecting real change in the lives of students today.
Thank you for your commitment to the College, its students, and the Gustie spirit.